"On the one hand, religious Americans are somewhat less tolerant of free speech and dissent." "While, in general, Americans are quite tolerant, religious Americans are less tolerant than their secular neighbors. "

True.

"Religious liberals are actually more likely to be community activists than are religious conservatives."

That makes sense. I can also understand why religious people would be more involved in their communities (though I'm not sure that makes for 'better' neighbors) They like to be around people who have the same interests - who doesn't?

"So, does religion help or harm our civic life? The answer is a little of both. Religion means less tolerance but more neighborliness. And the reason for that neighborliness is not found in what religions teach but in the communities they form."